The
original lighthouse was built by the Harbour Trust in 1794, as a two
tiered stone structure burning coal fires. The lighthouse was continually
improved over the years and became automatic in 1934 it is operated
by Trinity House. A blockhouse was built near the lighthouse in 1860
as a defence against possible invasion by France’s Napolean III;
it was also used during the Great War.
In
January 1883 the lifeboat went to the aid of the “Admiral
Prinz Adalbert” The lifeboat was capsized three times in gale
force conditions. Jessie and Margaret Ace, daughters of the lighthouse
keeper Abraham Ace, with the help of Edward Hutching, pulled two
crewmen ashore. They were later made women of Mumbles Head.
